You keep the lights on, the systems running, and your coworkers sane (most of the time). You’re the late-night troubleshooter, the quiet hero, the steady hand in the chaos. We asked for stories about people just like you. And you delivered.
Know a rockstar sysadmin?
Nominate them for the first-annual PDQ Sysadmin Hall of Fame. Submit your nomination by July 11, 2025.
While we’re still collecting and reviewing submissions, we couldn’t resist sharing a few sneak peeks. No names (yet), no spoilers. Just a taste of the IT magic that’s been happening in server rooms, offices, basements, classrooms, and command centers around the world.
Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at those of you empowering organizations one system, script, and strong coffee at a time.
Solo acts
“Led the team, before my time, to clean up the network, improve processes, and shift the negative view towards IT.”
You don’t do it for the spotlight. You do it because when something breaks, someone has to fix it.
Some of you are practically one-person IT departments, quietly holding the world together with a laptop and sheer force of will. One nominee single-handedly replaced their organization’s MSP. Another inherited a patchwork of systems and led the charge to clean up the network, streamline processes, and rebuild trust.
And then there’s the person who's spent 30+ years managing law firm tech and still wakes up every day looking for ways to improve communication, productivity, and work-life balance.
Someone has to hold it all together, and you never hesitate to be that someone.
Culture carriers and confidence builders
“Helped build our confidence and reminded us that sometimes we may second-guess ourselves but to not let it get us down.”
You know IT isn’t just about fixing problems. It’s about building people up.
We read stories about mentors who taught their teams not just how to do the work but how to believe in themselves while doing it. One nominee inspired a help desk technician to stay in IT and eventually train in cybersecurity. Another shields their team from the chaos of corporate bureaucracy while trusting the team and giving them a voice, helping them grow and flourish.
And several of you were described as the first person that coworkers go to when they need help — not because you always have the answer (though you usually do) but because you always show up.
Steady hands
“The kind of IT wizard who’s probably been automating reboots since before most of us figured out how to change our desktop wallpaper.”
Some of you don’t make a lot of noise — you just keep things running. When systems break and everyone else scrambles, you stay calm, quietly fixing what needs to be fixed without fanfare.
One nominee was praised as “rock solid.” They stay calm under pressure and get systems running no matter what breaks without making a fuss. Another sits quietly in his area, “figuring sh*t out.” And sometimes, the mark of their skill is clear: one nomination noted they make the toughest fixes look easy.
You don’t panic. You don’t posture. You just get to work.
PDQ powerhouses
“Implemented PDQ and completely changed our security posture.”
You’ve taken PDQ tools and turned them into something more than just software, making them part of how your team works, learns, and grows.
One nominee improved their organization’s patching and security posture practically overnight. Others of you are the go-to resource for all things PDQ — not just deploying updates but showing teammates how to use the tools to work smarter and build confidence in their roles.
You don’t just deploy updates — you cultivate trust and help your teammates do their best work.
Legacy builders and leaders
“Leads with heart and SME-level knowledge.”
It takes more than technical skill to build something that outlasts you.
Some of the most moving nominations came from teams who’ve been shaped by leaders behind the scenes. One submission described a department head preparing their team for life after their retirement — challenging team members to grow, take on new responsibilities, and lead with confidence. Some of you are quiet legends with decades of experience who now spend their free time helping others in the PDQ Discord, turning their hard-earned knowledge into community gold.
And then there are those of you who have been educating entire school districts, leading staff training, and still finding time to help their coworkers troubleshoot.
In the end, your greatest contribution isn’t just what you fixed ... it’s who you helped along the way.
Wildcards
“Isn’t just a sysadmin ... is the sysadmin.”
It wasn’t just heroic saves and ironclad security that stood out. You proved once again that behind every steady system is a real human being with passion, humor, and heart.
Someone shared a Renaissance Faire costume complete with a hand-painted, 3D-printed sword (yes, there's photographic evidence). We also saw some thoughtful write-ups that read like love letters to the craft of sysadmin-ing. We didn’t expect to get emotional, but here we are.
In the end, you didn’t just share what you do — you shared a little about who you are.
Coming July 24 ...
This is just a glimpse. The full list is still under wraps, but we promise it’s worth the wait.
If you submitted a nomination: thank you. You reminded us that being a system administrator isn’t just about keeping things running. It’s about leading, supporting, mentoring, building, and occasionally slaying metaphorical dragons (and literal “just one quick thing”s).
The official Sysadmin Hall of Fame reveal drops during our webcast at 9:30 a.m. MT on July 24.
Mark your calendar. Bring coffee ... and tissues.
And in the meantime, give your IT team a high five. You all deserve it.
